module36REVIEW

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In this module, we have seen that the use of nuclear fuels for generating electricity has significant advantages and disadvantages. Nuclear energy is a relatively clean means of electricity generation, although fossil fuels are used in constructing nuclear power plants and mining and processing the uranium fuels. The possibility of accidents during plant operation and the difficulty of radioactive nuclear waste disposal are major environmental hazards of nuclear energy used for the generation of electricity. Neither of these issues has been satisfactorily resolved at present. Throughout the nuclear electricity generation cycle, carbon dioxide emissions are much less than during electricity generation from fossil fuels.

Module 36 AP® Review Questions

Question 1

1. One g of U-235 produces approximately how much more energy than 1 g of coal?

  1. 3,000 times

  2. 19,000 times

  3. 80,000 times

  4. 400,000 times

  5. 2,000,000 times

Question 2

2. Control rods slow nuclear reactions by

  1. reducing the amount of fuel available.

  2. absorbing the heat produced.

  3. increasing the rate heat transfers to the water.

  4. absorbing excess neutrons.

  5. adding additional barium to the reaction.

Question 3

3. The process of fusion

  1. splits atoms.

  2. requires extremely high temperatures.

  3. uses plutonium instead of uranium.

  4. requires several radioactive elements.

  5. does not produce radioactive waste.

Question 4

4. Increased interest in nuclear power is due to

  1. low energy costs.

  2. lack of significant accidents.

  3. low carbon dioxide emissions.

  4. new solutions for waste disposal.

  5. decreased energy independence.

Question 5

5. For a sample of Ti-44 with a half-life of 63 years, how long until of the original amount is left?

  1. 63 years

  2. 126 years

  3. 189 years

  4. 252 years

  5. 315 years